In the wake of the the May 12 earthquake in China, Symrise has cooperated with China Youth and Development Fund, a Chinese NGO, to build a temporary school in Sichuan. The company donated 50,000 euros to construct 20 classrooms for 500 students. This school will be used for up to five years until a permanent school is built by Chinese authorities.

Of the project, Symrise regional president of scent and care (Asia-Pacific), Thomas Dressler, said, "China is more than just one of our most important markets ... Now we have a chance to give something back."